AL West

Well it's going to turn out as How the West was Won episode. All clubs made some interesting moves to solidify their chances on a Division championship. The Most Improved Team is the Rangers who spent buckets loads of money on free agents and arbitration. The rest of the division made moderate moves to improve their chances.

Well since we started with the Texas Rangers let's dive into their moves and chances at where they may end up being when October comes. First off we mentioned that money turned out to being no object with this years expenses on free agents. They brought in a solid third baseman in Beltre. He is locked in for 5 yrs at a 96 million dollar deal. WOW money I see well spent 3 out of the 5 years. Other free agents signed were Arthur Rhodes who can be that left hand specialist out of the bullpen. Also Brandon Webb,Dave Bush,Yhency Brazoban, but The Main money spent were to keep their young stars there. In likes of Josh Hamilton 2 yrs 24 million dollars and other Arbitration of Napoli. I see the Pitching to be a bit suspect, but if you score more than the other team you win. That's were the Rangers are at. This club has some hitters and big boppers. They have the best chances of repeating as West Champions.

The Angels made a big move to get a Left Fielder and a big bat in Vernon Wells. The Angels have both great starting Pitching and bats with speed. They do have holes in their Closer and catching roles. I see Conger as being their everyday Catcher and Mathis being every fifth day. Closer role is who ever can get it done will be it for that day. With Morales coming off of that leg injury will Solidify First base and give power and contact hitting from both sides of the plate. Third Base is a little weak We will see if that trade for Callaspo turns out to good. If not the Angels have a few options in the Minors. The outfield is so interchangeable with so many options with Well, Willets, Trout, Bourjos, Hunter, Abreu all can hit and all have power. Ok so not all of them are in their youth with speed anymore, but if you hit the ball over the fence you can just jog on home. I predict them fighting hard till the end but coming up short for the Division unless a mid season acquisition's are made to push over Texas.

The Oakland Athletics have made strides and developments to becoming relevant again. Pitching isn't that strong, but can win some games. With all the youth on the field they have become one solid team to feed off one another. They will finish third.

Well here we go again with the Seattle Mariners. No folks their isn't Randy Johnson or Griffey Jr. coming out on the Field. They do have a great Pitcher in Hernandez. Ichiro and Olivo are not enough to help them get out of the cellar. This club needs lot's of help in a bad way. Yes they have a great Manager in Erik Wedge, but he needs to pray that they can win more than 81 games to have a winning season. It's not likely they have way too many questions to fix.

There you have it AL West in a nutshell What is your thoughts?